Los Angeles County, Ca. – Lifeguards in Los Angeles County are getting a pay increase as the Department of Parks and Recreation looks to fill job vacancies. Now, lifeguards at pools will earn between $23.87 and $25.87 an hour, and those working at lakes will make between $28.89 and $30.50 an hour after they get certified.
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These new pay rates are the top ones in the area, according to officials. The county is aiming to hire around 500 lifeguards for the upcoming summer season. To attract more people to these jobs, they’re not only raising wages but also making it easier to apply.
The LA County Parks department has made the application process simpler and has reduced the age and swimming test requirements to help fill these positions. Norma E. García-González, the head of LA County Parks, mentioned that they’ve been actively promoting these jobs by visiting many high schools, community colleges, and local events throughout the county.
“Our goal is to ensure that all youth 16 years old and above have the opportunity to become lifeguards, providing them with a pathway to earn competitive wages and embark on a promising career within the County,” García-González said. “Our commitment is to hire diverse youth and foster an inclusive, safe and fun summer pool season.”
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The department is currently running swimming tests until May 18 to find suitable candidates. Those interested need to apply online and take part in a swim test. Pool lifeguard candidates must be at least 16 years old and able to swim 300 yards in 6.5 minutes or less. They must also pass a vision test.
Lake lifeguards have slightly tougher requirements. Besides the age and vision test, they must swim 1,000 meters in 18 minutes or less and have a valid California Class C driver’s license.
This is what full LA County announcement:
The County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation is actively seeking and recruiting diverse candidates interested in careers in Aquatics to take the LA County Lifeguard Test; the first step needed to start the process to become a County Lifeguard.
The Department is currently running tests for two separate positions; Pool Lifeguard or Lake Lifeguard. Those who meet the requirements and those who reflect the diversity of Los Angeles County are especially encouraged to apply and can do so online or in-person.
Pool Lifeguard
Currently, the Department is working to reach a goal of hiring 260 Pool Lifeguards. Applicants must meet the following prerequisites:
Swim 300 yards in 6 minutes and 30 seconds.
Be at least 16 at time of appointment
Have at least 20/30 vision in each eye with correction, and at least 20/200 with both eyes open, without correction.
After completing the online form, qualifying candidates will schedule an appointment to participate in a Pool Lifeguard swim test during the following dates and locations:
Participants that pass the swim test to complete the initial qualification phase, will then proceed to train as Pool Lifeguard Cadets in the Lifeguard Academy and must successfully complete training before being promoted to Pool Lifeguards. The current pay rate for Lifeguard Cadets is $16.90 an hour.
Training is a minimum of 64 hours covering American Red Cross Emergency Medical Response, CPR, Automated External Defibrillator, First Aid, and Lifeguarding, with a mix of classroom, land, and water skills. There will also be a mix of swim conditioning and land based workouts (known in aquatics as dryland).
Apply to Become a Pool Lifeguard
Pool Lifeguard Academy Curriculum
Lake Lifeguard
The Department is also working to hire Lake Lifeguards.
Applicants must meet the following:
- Swim 1000 meters in 18 minutes or less
- Be at least 16 years old by time of swim exam
- Have at least 20/30 in each eye without correction (see job bulletin)
- Have a valid California Class C Drivers License
After completing the online form, qualifying candidates will schedule an appointment to participate in a Lake Lifeguard Swim Test at either of the following dates/locations:
Castaic Aquatic Center
31350 Castaic Rd. Castaic, CA 91384
Saturday, February 3rd, 2024 // 8:00am to 12:00pm
Arcadia Park – Norman S. Johnson Aquatic Center
405 S. Santa Anita Ave. Arcadia, CA 91006
Saturday, February 10th, 2024 // 8:00am to 12:00pm
Participants that pass the swim test to complete the initial qualification phase, will then proceed to train as Lake Lifeguard Candidate in the Lifeguard Academy and must successfully complete training before being promoted to Lake Lifeguards. The current pay rate for Lifeguard Candidate is $16.90 per hour.
Apply to Become a Lake LG Candidate
Need to Train?
If you want to become a lifeguard, but either haven’t been in the water in a bit or have never taken a swim lesson before, LA County has got you covered! The Department is running the Lifeguard Ready Training Program; a free program for diverse candidates ages 16-24 who would like to become a County Lifeguard and gain the skills needed to do so. More information can be found here.
